Audio desk pro vs. Clear audio double matrix

Tablejockey - sorry for starting this awful wallet openning thread.....
I'm with you. Up until now I used the non expensive okki nokki . My analog buddies told me I don't know what i'm missing here so i'm about to dip my leg in the ultrasonic water and probably invest in the audiodesk machine.

icorem-

I'm just patiently waiting to pounce on a used V2 AD. After giving the first version a try years ago, I've dreamed of owning one.

I play many treasured Verves and Blue note Jazz mono's, along with the requisite R&R. I do hear the value in one of these expensive machines, I just want one for a "working guy" price.

Good luck to you.

TJ,  you should jump on it you will not be disappointed, Ive steered many a customer in this direction and all have been pleased.  Yes its a little more involved than the AD or the KL with the few extra steps - but at 10 % the cost it's a no brainer.  

Good Listening


Peter

Ive had both the KL Audio and the Audio Deske, both are fine machines, the only thing I did not like about the Audio Deske is the "exit mark" the rollers leave where a tiny amount of "dirt" is left behind. The KL Audio does not suffer from this and is in my opinion the best RCM available today. 

I had the Audio Desk Pro and noticed the same issue - the Audio Desk rollers left marks in the lead-in groove causing sometime additional noise. The possible damage to the vinyl was cause enough to move away from the Audio Desk to the KL audio and is the main reason why I would NOT recommend the Audio Desk.

The KL audio does not have the roller issue and has the following advantages:

1. It is easier to clean the tank. This is important to remove all deposits at the bottom of the tank. 
2. There are no additional fluids, rollers, etc. required. Only plained distilled water.
3. While there is no filter, it is much easier to just exchange the distilled water more often. I change water about every 25-50 cleaned records.

The  only downside is that the KL Audio does not work best with surface stains (e.g. finger prints), which is where the Audio Desk has an advantage due to the rollers.

Since the original question is on the Clearaudio vs the Audiodesk/KL Audio, I  have owned both the Clearaudio and KL Audio for over a year and can share some experience:

The latest Sonic version of the Clearaudio Double Matrix is now fully automated and you can walk away while cleaning, just as for the KL Audio. The Double Matrix is quicker: about 2-3min vs. the 4min+3min cleaning and drying cycle on the KL Audio. 

The brush velvet on the Double Matrix requires replacement after about 150-200 LPs  (depending on how bad the LPs are) so running costs are bit higher than the KL Audio. However, I feel that with used LPs the Clearaudio with Audio Intelligent #6 does a slightly better job at cleaning used records.

If I would own one machine only it would be the Clearaudio. Both, the Clearaudio and KL audio are excellent and make cleaning records a breeze. I owned the VPI and Loricraft before and I would just wait playing newly bought records until I have a large batch or just run out of time altogether and just not get to cleaning records). The ease and time saving alone are well-worth it for me. I would rather listen to the music instead...